Plant Breeding (Wageningen University)
Wageningen University and Research in Wageningen, Netherlands, offers a Master of Science degree program in Plant Breeding. The program is administered entirely online with students taking courses on a part-time basis. Most students can complete all of the degree requirements within 24 months. All students conduct independent research and write a master’s thesis paper. In addition, students must complete the following classes: Principles of Plant Breeding; Plant Pathology and Disease Epidemiology; Genetics; and Plant Biotechnology. A Bachelor of Science degree in a related field with a minimum GPA of 70 percent is required for admissions consideration.
Plant Breeding (Texas A&M University)
Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Plant Breeding. The program lasts for 24 months and involves full-time, on-campus study. To earn the degree, students must take the following courses: Cytological and Histological Principles in Plant Breeding, Pedology, Crop Physiology, Integrated Farming Systems, Host Plant Resistance, and Introduction to Environmental Biophysics. Students are also required to complete independent research and compose a master’s thesis based on their work. Before applying to the program, students must find a professor in the Soil and Crop Sciences who agrees to serve as their thesis advisor.
Plant Genomics and Breeding (Seoul National University)
The Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute at Seoul National University in Seoul, South Korea, offers a master’s degree program in Plant Genomics and Breeding. The program takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of plant genomics and breeding and gives students the chance to conduct independent research in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Students then complete a master’s thesis based on their studies. Core plant genomics courses are also required for the degree. All courses are taught at the university’s campus. Most students complete their degrees with two years of full-time study. A bachelor’s degree is necessary for admission. Those with a background in science are preferred, but individuals with degrees in other fields will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Plant Breeding (Cornell University)
Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Plant Breeding. Students have the opportunity to specialize in plant breeding or genetics. Once they have selected their area of focus, students participate in independent research and write a master’s thesis that presents their findings. The full-time, on-campus program usually takes about 12 months to complete. Students have the opportunity to study abroad as a part of the program. Core coursework related to students’ area of specialty is also required for graduation. Prospective applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology (Michigan State University)
Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology with an emphasis on Plant Biology. Students in the program complete a course in horticulture as well as two additional courses selected with input from their advisors. In addition, each student is required to teach undergraduate students for one semester and to complete independent research and compile a master’s thesis paper based on their work. The program involves full-time, on-campus study and usually takes 24 months to complete.
